2022 Best Bachelor's in Theology Online Programs

Nazarene Bible College (NBC) is a private nonprofit offering a 120-credit-hour online Bachelor of Arts in Ministry, which has a bible and theology concentration. Students interested in pursuing ordination as an elder of the Church of Nazarene must take an additional 24 credit hours. Based on the college's affiliation with the Church of the Nazarene, faculty expect students to follow standards of conduct that align with church beliefs. Although, no denominational affiliation is required.

Through core courses, such as Biblical Interpretation, Pentateuch, and Global Evangelism, students develop an advanced understanding of biblical literature, strong exegetical skills, and a deep theological understanding applicable to contemporary ministry and social issues. Graduates are often prepared for work as pastors, deacons, ministers of church music, counselors, and educators.

Multnomah University (MU) is a private nonprofit with a small student population that offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Bible and Theology. It requires 124 credit hours, which students typically complete in four years. This bachelor's program helps students develop critical thinking skills as they study historical and theological arguments and interpretations.

Students develop a deep understanding of the Bible and how its messages apply to contemporary life and thought. Core courses include Bible Study Methods; Text and Cannon; and Gospels, Acts, and Revelation. Upon graduating, students may feel prepared for positions as church leaders, teachers, counselors, evangelists, translators, social workers, and instructors. Additionally, students looking to continue their graduate studies upon the program's completion can do so.

Moody Bible Institute (MBI) is a private, nonprofit, four-year institution offering bachelor's degrees in the following subjects: theological studies, biblical studies, and theology and cultural engagement. The theological and biblical studies program teaches students how to think theologically by engaging in reading assignments of biblical texts and examining scripture from past and present perspectives. On the other hand, students studying theology and cultural engagement take core courses, such as Theology and Culture and Theology in a Globalized World, while training to minister in multicultural, global contexts.

Truett McConnell University (TMU) is a private nonprofit offering an online Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies that students typically finish in four years. The rigorous academic environment of TMU allows students to mature in discipleship and scholarship, ultimately preparing them to serve their calling in life or pursue additional graduate or seminary education.

This online degree has the following concentration options: (1) Biblical and Theological Studies, (2) Missions, (3) Student Ministry, and (4) Women’s Studies. The most general concentration, Biblical and Theological Studies, focuses on biblical text, language skills, and practical ministry. It emphasizes ministry administration, Christian ethics, and special topics in Christian Studies. Common areas of study across concentrations include hermeneutics, old and new testament studies, history of Christianity, apologetics, world religions, and Biblical exposition.

Regent University (RU) — a private, nonprofit, four-year institution — offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies requiring 120 credit hours. Courses occur in eight-week sessions. Through classes such as Principles of Hermeneutics & Theological Thinking, Study of the Prophets, and Acts of the Apostles, students develop a solid foundation in practical ministry, theology, and biblical studies as well as an appreciation for the history, context, and messages of the Bible.

At this Christian university, students develop their knowledge of the Bible and apply it to contemporary issues and other religions. Graduates can pursue careers in ministry roles, such as church administration, planting, teaching, pastoring, youth ministry, education, missions work, or human services. In addition, the curriculum aims to prepare students for pursuing further studies at seminary school if they wish.

Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) — affiliated with the Assemblies of God — is a private, nonprofit, four-year institution offering online degree programs leading to either a bachelor's degree in theological studies or Bible and theology. SAGU requires that students are born-again Christians striving to live a Christian lifestyle.

The theological studies program focuses on research in scripture, philosophy, and theology to help students learn how to interpret the Bible. Alternatively, the Bible and theology program helps students explore topics related to biblical literature, apologetics, doctrine, Christian history, Christian ethics, and theology. Students in both programs learn Hebrew and Greek. Upon graduating, students may apply for any number of careers in Bible or church ministries.

Clarks Summit University (CSU) is a private nonprofit offering a 121-credit hour Bachelor of Science in Bible and Theology. The program takes four years to complete and teaches from a biblical worldview to prepare students for different leadership positions in the Baptist church. Students must be religiously affiliated with this denomination to achieve acceptance into the program.

World Religions, Elements of Greek I & II, and Theological Distinctives are among the program’s core courses. Graduates may go on to enter careers as church youth leaders, assistant pastors, and any number of other religious roles. Regardless of their subsequent professional or educational ambitions, CSU graduates are equipped to share scripture accurately and effectively in a variety of settings.

The Baptist College of Florida (BCF) is a private nonprofit offering a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies and a Bachelor of Arts in Ministry Studies, both of which require 120 credit hours through online coursework.

The online program in Christian studies provides students with a solid theological foundation and a rich mix of doctrinal and practical coursework to prepare them for ministry vocations, including local church ministry and missions. BCF students in the ministry studies program learn everything from basic doctrine and biblical interpretation to local ministry principles through courses in missions, leadership, teaching, and preaching. Moreover, the online degree program offers five different academic and career concentrations: (1) Pastoral Ministry, (2) Biblical Studies, (3) Evangelism and Missions, (4) Church Staff Ministry, and (5) Student Ministry.